NAPA, Calif. — The North Bay Business Journal recently named AUL Corp. to its “Best Places to Work in the North Bay” list, the second year in a row the provider of used-vehicle service contracts has earned the distinction.

Founded in 1990 by Luis Nieves, president and CEO, AUL employs 117 individuals in its downtown NAPA offices and has hundreds of agents across the country.

"This is truly an honor. This award recognizes the people of AUL who work so hard on behalf of our agents, dealers, and contract holders," said Nieves. "The passion of the team is evident each day, and our visitors always comment on how open and inviting the atmosphere is."

One area that AUL has focused on in the last few years is giving back to the community. An employ-run charitable committee reviews and decides on which causes and charities the company supports. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk, Hands Across the Valley, and NAPA C.A.S.A. are a few examples of the organizations the committee supports.

"A few years ago we made the commitment to our charitable committee and placed no restraints on them except for them to use their good judgment," said COO Jimmy Atkinson. "They have been great stewards of our resources along with making a difference in our community. We believe that is an extension of our commitment to our AUL team."

The North Bay Business Journal is celebrating its 10th year awarding the Best Places to Work in the North Bay, with this year’s list showing a rise in the average employee satisfaction score. Recipients of the distinction are selected based on the results of anonymous employee surveys and a review by the journal’s editorial staff of worker comments and company applications. More than 8,000 surveys were submitted, and the winning companies represent nearly 16,800 employees.